Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)

The Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is currently in its magnificent full bloom at Rouse Hill Estate. This erect scrambling evergreen shrub has been widely planted on the property, in particularly along the arbour path. A native of South Africa, this hardy plant was widely used in ornamental garden situations and also provided dense stock hedging. Though be warned this exotic can become invasive along coastal areas if uncontrolled.

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Steve Halliday

Steve Halliday

Horticulturist

Steven is one of the horticulturists who takes care of MHNSW’s green spaces and gardens. Straight out of school, he jumped into an apprenticeship in landscaping and from there his love for gardening grew. Since 2009, Steven has played a role in keeping the MHNSW properties looking their best; you might catch him completing a variety of tasks from hedging at Rouse Hill House & Farm to mowing lawns at Vaucluse House.

Plant your history

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Florilegium plants

A gathering of flowers: the Florilegium collection

Finely detailed botanical artworks reveal the range of plants introduced to Sydney’s gardens over the past 200 years

Plant your history

A mossy analogy for Susannah Place: small but mighty

Mosses are everywhere! They are small, mighty, unsung and inhabit the most unusual places. They can be found in all our museum outdoor spaces if one looks closely enough

a yellow and black sign reads "caution spraying in progress" anlongside a sandstone wall and path
Plant your history

A new weapon in the war on weeds

A black and yellow sign warns me there is “Spraying in Progress”, and I wonder for a moment why no one is wearing a mask, or even gloves. But the dangerous looking mist enveloping these men is not what it seems

Plants against a sandstone wall in the front garden of The Mint.
Plant your history

Acanthus - an apt symbol for The Mint

Look at any classical building today, anywhere in the world and chances are you will find an acanthus leaf lurking somewhere